Culture and etiquette

Many city dwellers enjoy a thoroughly modern lifestyle, but there is a stark difference between the towns and the far poorer rural Lithuania, where traditional culture remains firmly in place. If eating with locals, it is rude to refuse second helpings of food; when toasting someone, always look them in the eye. Always give an odd number of flowers when visiting Lithuanians, as even numbers are for the dead. Shaking hands across the threshold is bad luck. Family ties are strong, and extended family gatherings are common. Women tend to fill traditional roles. Only tip in restaurants to reward good service; ten percent is fair.